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Magazine journalist apprenticeships

Creative and media

Magazine journalist apprenticeships - where to start

You can get into this job through

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly
  • specialist courses from training organisations


    • University

    You may find it useful to have a degree in a subject like journalism or media. This will help you learn about the magazine industry and develop the skills you'll need as a journalist. You could also do a postgraduate course in journalism. Some of these are accredited by the Professional Publishers Association.


    You'll usually need 2 to 3 A-Levels, or equivalent, for a degree. You'll need a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study. 

    College
    You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. Relevant qualifications include Level 3 Diploma in Journalism or Level 3 Diploma in Multimedia Journalism. 

    Some colleges offer the Level 3 Certificate in Foundation Journalism and courses in Shorthand, accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ). You'll usually need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent.

    Apprenticeship
    You can work towards this role by starting with a Level 3 apprenticeship as a junior journalist. Employers will set their own entry requirements. 

    Volunteering

    Competition for jobs is strong, especially with the better-known magazines. You'll find it useful to have examples of your published work in a portfolio. You'll also need practical experience, which you could get by: 

    • contacting magazines to ask for work experience 
    • writing reviews of films, plays or products
    • volunteering to work on newsletters
    • writing your own blog and having an online presence
    Direct Application
    You could apply directly for jobs, especially if you have knowledge of the specialist area the magazine covers. You would need to build up a network of contacts as many journalist jobs are not advertised. 

    Other Routes
    You can study a range of professional qualifications in journalism, either online or part time at a training centre, accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists. 

    Magazine journalist apprenticeships - what it takes

    Skills and knowledge

    You'll need: 

    • knowledge of English language
    • knowledge of media production and communication 
    • to be thorough and pay attention to detail 
    • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure 
    • excellent written communication skills 
    • excellent verbal communication skills
    • ambition and a desire to succeed 
    • persistence and determination 
    • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

    Magazine journalist apprenticeships - what you'll do

    Day-to-day tasks

    You may:

    • go to meetings to plan the content of the magazine 
    • suggest ideas for articles 
    • interview and research to collect information for articles 
    • fact check and proof read articles
    • write articles to suit the magazine's style
    • keep up-to-date with developments and trends in the magazine's subject area 
    • work as a critic, reviewing things like films, food or concerts
    Working environment
    You could work in an office or from home. Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.

    Career path and progression - Magazine journalist apprenticeships

    With experience you may be able to progress to an editing position or move into another area like newspaper journalism, radio or TV. You could go freelance and write for various publications, or become a staff writer.

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    • Paid Training
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    • Great career prospects
      Employers think apprentices are 15% more employable than those with other qualifications. In fact, many large employers train their graduates and apprentices together!
    • Learn on the job
      There’s only so much you can learn when you just do a qualification. As an apprentice, you’ll also get to learn on the job - whether that’s designing amazing graphics, chopping vegetables or building engines!

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